PA manufacturing growth creates jobs, strengthens economy
Policy Committee hosts roundtable, tours Pittston Co-Packers
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus October 27, 2026 | 2:58 PM
PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, Oct. 27 – Pennsylvania’s growing economy creates opportunities across the state, and Pittston Co-Packers is a powerful example of how manufacturing investments deliver good-paying jobs, strengthen local communities and fuel more economic growth.
“Manufacturing remains a powerful engine for Pennsylvania’s economy,” said state Rep. Jim Haddock, who represents portions of Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. “When companies invest in our backyard, they create jobs, support local small businesses and bring more opportunities to our community. Pittston Co-Packers shows what’s possible when businesses have the resources and workforce they need to grow.”
Haddock hosted a House Majority Policy Committee roundtable and tour of Pittston Co-Packers, where a shuttered business during the winter of 2024 has been reborn and reimagined as an automated beverage manufacturing company that has created 180 jobs since opening – with more jobs expected to be added.
Pittston Co-Packers invested in automation and extensive workforce training.
“Investments like this demonstrate how Pennsylvania competes, innovates, leads and wins with modern manufacturing,” said state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County. “This business has connected workforce development with business growth, guaranteeing the local neighborhoods in the region share in the benefits of a growing and stronger economy.”
CEO John Holzemer and Director of Business Operations Ryan Oliver led the roundtable discussion and tour of the facilities. The discussion highlighted the value of continued investment in manufacturing, workforce training and economic partnerships.
Every dollar spent on U.S. manufacturing returns an estimated $2.69 in economic activity, supporting local suppliers, service providers and small businesses. A strong manufacturing sector also creates demand for skilled workers and helps build a foundation for thriving Main Streets.
The Shapiro administration estimated Pittston Co-Packers spent and invested more than $30 million into the factory and the local economy through job creation, purchasing services and raw materials, and investing in research and development. The Co-Packers expect future investments of $20 million in 2027.
Pittston Co-Packers launched its state-of-the-art 403,000-square-foot beverage manufacturer facility in 2025 that offered end-to-end manufacturing options. The facility is capable of product formulation, batching consistency and packaging for nationwide beverage distribution. Co-Packers contracted 25 million-case capacity at its opening with the short-term goal of adding 20 million more cases of production by next year.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found on the day of the hearing at Facebook.com/PADemPolicy.